RICHIE Gray admits Scotland have put a grin on his face again after a wretched season for club and country.

The towering lock hopes he’s still smiling from ear to ear later today as Scott Johnson’s side attempt to put themselves in contention for the Six Nations title at Murrayfield.

The Scots have never won the tournament since it was expanded to include Italy in 2000.

However, belief is building under interim head coach Johnson that Kelly Brown and his boys can at least put themselves in the mix for the championship this time around.

They face an injury-hit Irish side in Edinburgh this afternoon who are still smarting from a 12-6 defeat to tournament favourites England in Dublin a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Scotland have been buoyed by scoring four tries in a 34-10 victory over Italy – their first win at Murrayfield in 18 months.

Gray has had little to laugh about in recent months after Scotland’s dismal Autumn Test series, including a defeat by Tonga at Pittodrie that cost Andy Robinson his job.

Things have been little better at club level – the former Glasgow star had the pick of sides in Europe last summer and opted for Sale Sharks.

But they currently prop up the Aviva Premiership with just four wins from 15 league games this season.

However, Gray feels the outlook for club and country is bright.

He said: “It hasn’t been the greatest club season but I don’t regret joining Sale. Looking back, I moved there to try out a new league and work on my game – and I’ve been given that opportunity in the Premiership.

“Obviously, our results have not gone to plan but we’re starting to come good now.

“It was also a fantastic win for Scotland against Italy and spirits in the camp are high.

“However, we know it will be tough against the Irish. We’re fully focused and won’t get carried away.

“Ireland will still be hurting from their defeat to England in a bruising match. They’ll feel they have a point to prove.

“I’ve played against them a few times and rate them highly.

“They are a good team, with an excellent structure. They also have dangerous players who can hurt you. We know it’s will be hard.”

Scotland at last got their speed at the breakdown right against Italy, an area that had let them down so badly as England ran in 38 points at pace to lift the Calcutta Cup.

The Scots backline looks capable of troubling any side with speed merchants Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Sean Maitland.

Scotland have struggled for tries in recent seasons and have relied on the grunt and groan men in the pack to push them over, especially Gray.

He said: “The backs have been dangerous and hugely impressive with their attacking flair.

“It’s great for us to look up for a scrum or a lineout and see the backs 30 metres down the field.

“We take huge confidence from the win against Italy and scoring four tries as well.

“Johnno reckons the championship is wide open and another win would keep us in a good place.”